More Choices For City Council

February 15, 1991

The Tribune endorsements continue for the Feb. 26 aldermanic elections. The list concludes on Monday.

25th Ward-Ald. Juan Soliz once showed great promise, but his frequently shifting political alliances don`t leave much hope that he`ll settle down to business. His ward needs someone who will work rather than plot political intrigue. Ambrosio Medrano narrowly lost to Soliz in 1987, and this time he should claim the council seat. A former director of the city Commission on Latino Affairs, Medrano`s pragmatism and ability to work with people should help the ward.

FOR THE RECORD - Additional material published Feb. 19, 1991:Corrections and clarifications.An editorial in the Feb. 15 editions of the Tribune incorrectly identified 36th Ward aldermanic candidate Michael Romanelli as aconstruction worker. Romanelli owns a tile supply company. The Tribune regrets the error.

26th Ward-Besides his entertainment value, Ald. Luis Gutierrez is a battler for his neighborhood and merits endorsement over three challengers.

27th Ward-Rickey Hendon, the secretary-treasurer of the Cook County Forest Preserve District, is a clear choice over Ald. Sheneather Butler and a host of other challengers. Butler has been a washout, but Hendon has ideas for promoting a mix of housing in his West Side ward and has cultivated the allies in several levels of government needed to be effective.

28th Ward-Ald. Ed Smith is one of the more conscientious and respected members of the council, and deserves endorsement over two challengers.

29th Ward-Long before he became a leader in the Chicago school reform movement, James Deanes had proven himself an able community activist in efforts to improve schools, ease crime and create opportunities for young people. He would be a better fighter for his ward than Ald. Sam Burrell, who was an assistant to former alderman Danny Davis. There are several other good candidates, including attorney Amanda Toney.

30th Ward-The choice of Ald. Carole Bialczak to succeed the late alderman George Hagopian drew some controversy, but she has a long record of community activity and good basic values for the job.

31st Ward-The council will be livelier if attorney Gloria Chevere is elected, but that`s not the reason to endorse her. She deserves support because she had a fine track record in government and has been a successful organizer for the Hispanic community.

32nd Ward-Ald. Theris Gabinski carries considerable political muscle in City Hall and is an easy choice over James Gruber, a locksmith.

33rd Ward-Thankfully, Ald. Richard Mell has refrained from standing atop tables in City Hall for 38 1/2 consecutive months. He`s one of the best when it comes to delivering services for his ward.

34th Ward-As chairman of the council Budget Committee, Ald. Lemuel Austin brings some clout to his ward. He has helped along a considerable list of development projects and earned support over former boxer Ernie Terrell.

35th Ward-Michael Wojcik shows a keen understanding of what it will take to get the cost of city government under control and has an impressive resume of hands-on community work. A former assistant director of buildings for the city, he is endorsed for the seat to be vacated by Ald. Joseph Kotlarz.

36th Ward-Ald. William Banks has a good record of creative legislation in the council and is an easy choice over construction worker Michael Romanelli. 37th Ward-Not an easy decision here. Ald. Percy Giles has struggled without much success to bring development his way, but he has a reputation as a tireless worker who puts in long hours. Among his challengers, attorney Askia Abdullah, former counsel to the Committee on Zoning, makes the strongest case for new leadership. The nod goes to Giles for sincere efforts that hold some promise for the ward.